Southern Tamandua or Collared anteater

(Tamandua tetradactyla)

Facts

IUCN LEAST CONCERN (LC)

Facts about this animal

The tamandua is a little smaller than its closest relative, the Giant Anteater. It reaches approximately 1 to 1.5 m in total length. The basic colouration is a light yellow or sandy colour. A black vest is encircling the body behind the shoulders in the south-eastern populations of the species (hence the common name “Collared Anteater”); other populations are uniformly coloured. As the scientific species name indicates there are four clawed digits on the hand. The snout is elongated with a very small mouth opening. There are no teeth at all. The tamandua is primarily an arboreal species which sometimes also moves on the ground for foraging. The prehensile tail is helpful in climbing; therefore the underside of the tail is nearly naked. The tamandua is active by day and by night (pending on the individual). Longevity record is given as 16 yrs. A very similar species is the Northern tamandua (Tamandua Mexicana). Both tamandua species are also known as lesser anteaters referring to their close phylogenetic relationship to the giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla).

Did you know?
that the tamandua fights its enemies standing upright in a tripod position with the tail as a “third foot” (similar to defense strategies in the arboreal tree kangaroos), and that further it is capable of emitting a very unpleasant odour from its anal glands which also helps in repelling intruders? In contrast to the giant anteater the tamanduas are primarily feeding on termites (particularly tree-living termites) and use their claws not only in defending themselves but also to open the nests of the insects.

In the Zoo

How this animal should be transported

Why do zoos keep this animal

Although the tamanduas both are currently not listed as being in concrete danger they already suffer from loss of environment. Very often they fall victim to their habit of intruding into human settlements where they are regarded as noisy and unwelcome visitors. Further, they are hunted for the pelts or for the pet trade as they are considered as good pets (which is definitely not the case; partially due to their sometimes very aggressive nature against their keepers).

Thus, the tamandua is primarily kept as an ambassador species because is a good example of an animal whose future is strongly depending on the attitude of humans towards its natural environment, and for educational reasons as a good example for a unique life form. It thus contributes to a better understanding of the very particular and endemic fauna of South America.